Spain players rally round Aragones

Spain’s players have offered their backing to under fire coach Luis Aragones ahead of Wednesday’s friendly international against Argentina.

“Everyone is responsible for what has happened and the blame should be shared equally between the coach, the players and the management,” striker Fernando Torres said in the wake of Spain’s 2-0 defeat to Sweden.

The defeat came on the back of a humiliating 3-2 loss to Northern Ireland in September, leading to calls for Aragones to resign.

The 68-year-old, however, has said he has no intention of quitting.

“He has told us he feels stronger and more sure of his ideas the more criticism he receives, and that he is going to see this out,” Torres added.

“We know some fans are with us and others aren’t, but the fact they are still coming to cheer us on is an incentive to help us turn around the situation.”

Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos was another to offer backing for Aragones.

“There are few coaches better than him. We have spent a long time working with him and there is no one in a better position to get the best out of us,” said Ramos.

“We win together and lose together. We need to stay united and do our talking on the pitch and hope the results follow along soon.”

Liverpool forward Luis Garcia added: “The Argentina game is important as it gives us the chance to prove we are a major force. If we win, it will show we are capable of living up to expectations.”

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